It’s Monday! What are you reading?
Celebrating books read and enjoyed from picture books to young adult reads. Link up with the meme sponsored by Kellee and Jen.
This week was quite busy for me – organizing/revamping my classroom library. Much of my reading was picture books and early chapter/graphic novels. (Trying to make sure that I am as familiar as possible with my library – often my purchasing gets ahead of my reading!)
The one novel I finished was Blink and Caution by Tim Wynne-Jones. I had been wanting to read this young adult novel for some time. Years ago I read The Maestro by Wynne-Jones and it became one of my favourites. While I loved the mystery and drama associated with the plot of Blink and Caution, what sold me on the book were the characters. Both main characters (Blink aka Brent and Caution aka Kitty) were so accessible, vulnerable and likeable. I was along for the ride simply because I really wanted to be around these characters. Wynne-Jones did not disappoint.
Early Chapters/Graphics:
Fangbone 2 The Egg of Misery by Michael Rex. While I personally didn’t love all of the gross humour (the stinky feet did me in), I can absolutley see the appeal for my Grade 2 and 3 students. I know these books (I have #1 as well) will seldom be in a basket and frequently passed around the room and enjoyed. Lots of fun, lots of action, lots of silly.
I also read the first book in the Captain Awesome series. Comic books. Super heroes. Yucky cafeteria food. Another book with large kid appeal. I plan to get a few more of these titles for my classroom collection. Captain Awesome to the Rescue was written by Stan Kirby and illustrated by George O’Connor.
I spent much of this week reading picture books. Four of my favourites were:
Press Here by Herve Tullet. How I haven’t read this book up until this point, I have no idea! I’ve frequently seen it but this week I sat in the library and actually read it. Or is that what happens with this book? It is much more than reading! Yes, I did everything asked. Pressed. Shook. Titled. Turned. Giggled. Now I must own this book for my buddy reading/sharing bin!
Elsie’s Bird written by Jane Yolen and David Small. I adored this book. I think every week I fall just a little more in love with David Small’s illustrations. I am also trying to read as many picture books within the historical fiction genre as possible because. . . . Well because I am just in the historical fiction mood in a big way! I even started a new pinterest board! Any suggestions? Please share!
Fish on a Walk by Eva Muggenthaler. I found this book at the library earlier this week and was captivated by the illustrations. It is basically wordless – just two words on each page. Opposite words like scared/brave, cranky/kind, jealous/accepting . . . Examine the pictures. Find the stories. So interactive.
Let’s Talk About Race written by Julius Lester and illustrated by Karen Barbour. I have almost nothing to say about this book right now because I have so much to say about it. Many ideas in my head, plans for themes I’m considering for this year. Philosophical discussions. Art projects. Oh, I have plans for this book . . . .
Currently I’m reading The Search for Wondla by Tony DiTerlizzi to my children. It’s an engaging read aloud and we love all of the picures. I’ve just started Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage So far – wow!
There's a Book for That 
Hi I am glad to have been led to your site through TeacherMentorTexts. I understand what you mean about your book acquisitions not catching up with your reading. While I am not a school librarian I think I have around four bookshelves filled with books that I have yet to read. I am a compulsive book buyer, I confess. These are great titles here, I was struck by the name Tim Wynne-Jones, any relation to Dianna Wynne-Jones? I also know what you mean about David Small’s illustrations. I have reviewed a few of his books as well: The Gardener and Imogene’s Antlers are favorites of mine. What caught my eye here in your collection is “Fish on a Walk” – I have a special affinity with wordless picture books and surreal artwork, I would have to look into this one. Thanks for sharing the Julius Lester title as well.
Thanks for stopping by Myra. Compulsive book buying leads to a classroom full of readers is the way I look at it! Nothing makes me happier than having my old students visit me just to sit and read! They miss me but they miss the books more! No relation with the Wynne-Jones but both wonderful writers! Have you read One Cool Friend by David Small? It’s a recent picture book and absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks for the good review of Blink & Caution. I’ve heard of it, & will put it on my ever-growing list!
It is a very well written book. Oh those lists – we never catch the end of them!
Enjoy your fleeting summer and good luck getting the classroom all ready! Hooray for picture books! I’ve added ones that I haven’t read to Goodreads. I’m escpecially intrigued by Fish Go On a Walk and the Julius Lester one. I just loved Press Here! Certainly one in which you cannot help but smile. I’d love to deliver that one to a retirement/nursing home.
Let’s Talk about Race is just fantastic. The art is stunning but Lester’s voice is powerful. The book is written just like a letter to the readers. I’m so excited to share it in my room. Press Here certainly appeals to all. Love the idea of it in a nursing home! It is so delightful!
Captain Awesome and Fangbone look like some great series! Will have to check into getting those for my school library. 🙂
Fangbone is loved by my own children (Grade 4/5 age) as well so has a wide appeal.
Read Blink & Caution last year (I think it was last year), anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Such a suspenseful book!
Definitely! Have you read The Maestro?
I just added Elsie’s Bird to my TBR pile. I have long been a fan of the Sarah Stewart/David Small author/illustrator combination. Can’t wait to read this one with his beautiful illustrations and Jane Yolen’s always entertaining storytelling. Thanks!
It is truly a lovely book. I really appreciated both illustrations and text giving us such a sense of the wide open prairie – for a small child it must be quite intimidating.
I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed Blink & Caution- I really struggled with the writing style but I really loved the story and characters. I also really enjoyed Press Here and Fangbone #2, but I haven’t read the others- will have to look into them. I enjoy anything Jane Yolen writes, so that book will be first.
Happy reading this week! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by Kellee. I am also a big Jane Yolen fan and with David Small illustrations . . . how can you go wrong?
My students loved Fangbone. I have never heard of Captain Awesome, but I think I need to check it out.
So glad you loved Press Here. It’s such a fun book to “read”.
I will look for Fish on a Walk and Eloise’s Bird. They look wonderful.
I also need to get Three Times Lucky! I keep hearing that title everywhere!
Great blog, Carrie! Thanks!
Captain Awesome is cute but a little better suited for younger students compared to Fangbone. Perfect for my 2/3s. Yes, I am really enjoying Three Times Lucky. Quite the story! Thanks for the nice comments, Cynthia.